Soon, Maverick’s eyes began to flicker open, a dull, throbbing pain spreading across his head. He groaned, trying to reach up and rub his temple, but his hand wouldn’t move. He blinked several times, shaking his head to clear the blur from his vision. His heart pounded in his chest as the room came into focus.He was in an empty, vast space—no furniture, no windows, just walls that loomed around him. His arms were tied behind his back, his wrists tightly bound, and his legs were tied together, preventing any movement.“What the hell?” Maverick muttered as he tried shaking himself free, only to realize the bonds held him firmly in place. Panic surged through him.As he raised his head, his eyes widened in disbelief. Two figures stood in front of him, arms crossed, staring intently at him. Maverick blinked again, trying to make sense of what he was seeing.“Matthew? Austin?” he rasped, his voice dry and weak. The sight of Austin made his blood run cold; he had spoken with him not long a
Austin’s eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer, his voice growing more intense. “I’ll ask you again, Maverick. Where is Benjamin?” Maverick’s anger flared as he thrashed in his bindings, his patience snapping. His voice was rough and filled with frustration. “Why the hell are you asking me? Am I Benjamin’s keeper?!” He sneered, the tension in his face making it clear he was trying to put on a brave front. “I don’t know where he is, and I don’t care! Do I look like I keep tabs on that guy?” Matthew clenched his fists, his muscles tensing as he exchanged a look with Austin. Maverick's defiance only seemed to fuel the fire in the room. Austin, still calm but visibly annoyed, stood up slowly and towered over Maverick. “You seem to know enough to throw insults,” Austin said, his voice quieter now but with a threatening edge. "So how about you stop pretending, and start talking?" Maverick glared up at them, his bravado not faltering. He sneered, his lips curling as he tried to push back a
Without warning, Matthew struck him again, the hook digging into Maverick's shoulder. "Tell me, where is our brother?"Maverick screamed once more, writhing in his restraints. His face twisted in agony, but Matthew’s eyes were cold, waiting for the truth.At that moment, Maverick was utterly terrified. His fear was overwhelming, coursing through his veins like ice. He hadn't expected Brianna to tell them what he had said, and the truth he was hiding—that he had gotten Benjamin killed—was something he could never admit. If they found out, it would be his end.Instantly, Maverick's mind scrambled for a lie, anything that could save him. "Wait!" he gasped, his voice trembling with desperation. "I— I only said that because I wanted Brianna! She— she seemed to like Benjamin, and I was jealous. I said it to piss her off! I didn’t mean it!”His eyes darted between Austin and Matthew, hoping they'd buy his story. "I swear, that's all it was!"Matthew started hitting Maverick again, each swing
Maverick whimpered, struggling against the ropes. His body trembled, covered in bruises from the relentless blows. Each strike felt like fire on his skin, and he was reaching his limit. He gasped for air, his mind racing for anything that could save him from the torture. "I... I swear, I just wanted to get Brianna angry! That’s why I said Benjamin was dead! I don’t know anything else!"Matthew growled in frustration but didn't stop. He struck Maverick again, this time across his back, making his body convulse in pain. "I’m not stopping until you tell me where Benjamin is!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the empty room.Maverick’s body trembled uncontrollably, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. His face was streaked with tears and sweat, and blood trickled from several deep cuts along his arms and legs where the hook had torn into his flesh. The once-pristine shirt he wore was now soaked in a mix of sweat and crimson, sticking to his skin. His lips quivered as he sobbed, the p
Opening the door, Cordelia was surprised to see the butler standing there, his posture as poised as ever."Butler?" she asked, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Come inside."The butler shook his head gently, his eyes twinkling as he took in her appearance. "You're looking so beautiful tonight. Where did you get this outfit?" he asked, his voice warm.Cordelia smiled, glancing down at her black jalabiya dress. "I got it from a store that sells African clothing. Picked up three of them. Is it nice?”"It’s very nice," the butler replied, nodding in approval. "Makes you look even more beautiful, my dear."Cordelia nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, my grandpa. But why have you come here?" she asked, curiosity creeping back into her voice."I was wondering if you'd accompany me for a stroll around the estate," the butler said, his tone gentle. "Are you busy?"Cordelia shook her head. "No, not at all. I’d be glad to take a walk with you.”"Hold on," she said quickly, moving back into the roo
That night, Benjamin glanced at Cipherella, who was seated at the computer, her eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "It's late," he said gently. "You should go to sleep.” Cipherella nodded, already feeling the weight of sleep tugging at her. She stood up, stretched her arms, and began to head toward the sofa to rest. But Benjamin shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "Go sleep in the bedroom. I'll take the sofa.” Cipherella paused and turned to him, shaking her head in protest. "No, Master Benjamin, you're the boss. You deserve the bed. I'll be fine on the sofa." Benjamin stood up, his voice firmer this time but still kind. "Go to sleep in the room, Cipherella. I’ll manage here." His eyes were serious, and despite her reluctance, Cipherella knew there was no use arguing with him. She sighed, her eyes softening. "Alright, master," she said, surrendering to his command. With a tired smile, she gathered herself and made her way to the bedroom, obeying Benjamin’s request. Benj
Maverick’s mother’s face paled as she paced the room, panic starting to take hold. "Do you think something has happened to our son?" she asked, her voice shaking. Rudra sighed, trying to maintain a calm demeanor. “What could possibly happen to him? He’s not a child. He might’ve gone out somewhere, you know how he is—always up to no good. He’s probably turned his phone off and is fooling around.” His tone was dismissive, though there was a hint of unease in his eyes. “So… nothing’s wrong?” she asked again, her voice quieter, still seeking reassurance. Rudra shook his head firmly. “I don’t think so. It’s late, go to sleep. He’ll be fine. I’m sure by tomorrow, he’ll have charged his phone and called, or he might even return late tonight. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s done this.” Maverick’s mom exhaled shakily, her worry not entirely eased, but she nodded. "Alright... just go and eat your food then." Rudra gave her a small nod before heading toward the kitchen, trying to brus
He couldn’t believe his eyes. Darnell was here? That was the person he wanted. Benjamin’s hand hovered over his phone, torn between waking Cipherella and acting on his own. He leaned closer to the screen, watching as Darnell and his men strode into the hotel. As Darnell entered the hotel, the staff straightened up, their posture tense with respect. They greeted him with nods, eyes lowered. One of his men quickly stepped forward, pulling out a cigarette and placing it between Darnell’s lips. Another followed closely, flicking a lighter to ignite the tip. Darnell took a long, slow drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke that drifted lazily through the lobby. His eyes swept across the room with a calculating gaze.“How is it going?” Darnell asked, his voice low but commanding.The head staff member, clearly nervous, nodded and said, "Everything is perfect, sir."Darnell didn’t respond. He simply continued walking, his men following closely behind. The tension was thick in the air as they made